As I said previously, the Arresti 3 is no longer available. I had two, still have one as a backup. I know Bob Pasterello won at least one masters class contest in AMA with one. Quality varied all over the landscape. Several people got twisted fuselages. Mine were staright, but I've seen one that was really bad. One one of my wing panels had to be replaced due to the wing tube not being straight in it. Covering was some sort of cheap chinacote that keeps trying to peel off. Lost covering on both airplanes on first flights, even after sealing edges, and using CA in strategic locations. Also had to use a carbon fiber landing gear and wing tube to meet weight, which defeated some of the apparent cheapness of the airframe. All that being said, mine flew well, and flying characteristics were identical. Certainly adequate for sportsman or intermediate, if you can get a straight one. landing gear area was weak, and should be glassed from the get go, which adds more weight. Mine were right at 11 lbs.

Be careful if you go after a used Focus or Focus II at this point. Many of these airframe have a ton of flights on them at this point, and may need major rebuilds. Pattern flyers fly more than anyone else, and airframes can and do wear out, even without crash or hard landing damage. Inspect very closely any Focus before buying. I know two guys that have them, and they both said their airframes are very tired. Again, a reborn Piedmont is going to offer new ones again in the near future.

I concur that a .90 sized airplane is not a whole lot cheaper than a 2 meter bird, and don't fly as well. Go for it!

Jon Lowe